Ups and Downs: Movie makeovers; asking advice; and remembering a pickle president

Published: Friday, February 22, 2013 at 03:45 PM.

THUMBS UP to the Burlington Fire Department using a $41,670 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, coupled with a matching $4,630 in city funds, to provide some 500 smoke alarms for citizens with hearing impairments. The “bed-shaker” devices can activate a device kept under the pillow, providing vibrations to alert the hearing-impaired of the alarm. The alarms are portable and could well save lives.

And THUMBS DOWN to the news of the death of John Neal Walker, 87, a Graham native who grew up in Burlington before setting off on his life adventures. He was a World War II veteran and spent most of his life in Mt. Olive. And if he were notable for nothing else, you may or may not know he inaugurated the New Year’s Eve pickle drop in his adopted town. He was employed for over 40 years by the Mt. Olive Pickle Company, 35 of those years as president, and was a tireless promoter of the Mt. Olive brand from its location at the corner of Cucumber and Vine.

If this were a “Jeopardy” category we might say, “We’ll take old movie theaters for $100, Alex.” Yes, old Alamance County movie houses were in the news this week in a variety of ways.

First let’s offer a THUMBS UP to the Paramount Theatre, which celebrates its 15th year of operation since its renovation in downtown Burlington. The venue is a community treasure, after being rescued from decay and made into a centerpiece location for events ranging from community theatre productions to body-building championships, corporate training sessions or the annual Spelling Bee.

Speaking of treasures, THUMBS UP and good luck to the efforts at Graham Cinema to raise about $60,000 to convert to digital movie projection. The world of technology will soon make the old 35-mm film print a thing of the past, thus the upgrade. The theater, which offers tickets to movies in a second run at prices lower than the new multiplexes, remains a landmark in the county seat’s downtown. It’s more than a business. It’s a historic site, a frame of mind and should be preserved.

And speaking of downtown upgrades, THUMBS UP to Erica Libby and Frank Talarico for the planned startup of their business, DogStone Pub, and renovations they’re making to 412 S. Main Street. The Grotto Theater first occupied the building in 1907. The traditional pub-style bar will specialize in craft beer, with upwards of 30 brews on tap and more than 100 bottle varieties, and will also serve wine and spirits to customers in both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

In more downtown Burlington news, THUMBS UP to local investor and owner of Lane Jewelers, William Hudson, who is breathing new life into the former Roaster’s Café in downtown Burlington. Hudson purchased the 404 S. Spring St., location last month. He’s refurbishing the 3,800-square-foot second floor into executive office spaces. For the first floor, Hudson said he wants the community’s input on what should go in the old café space. Those with ideas for the empty space should stop by and see him at his shop at 2553 S. Church St.

THUMBS UP to the third annual Soup for Sharing, which this year benefitted Burlington Assembly of God’s food ministry. By the time the event ended, volunteers had gathered $1,000 in donations, not counting whatever the church had made from ticket sales. Some visitors were generous, giving more than the $5 admission for a meal. Soups, chili, desserts and serving accoutrements were donated by several local businesses and individuals. It’s a fundraiser that’s finding its stride and helping the needy.

THUMBS UP to Graham Middle School’s Kim Davis, one of the school’s counselors, whose determination to do her job and help students thrive in middle school has earned her national recognition. She was a national semifinalist for the 2013 School Counselor of the Year Award by the American School Counselor Association, receiving the award early this month.

THUMBS UP to the Burlington Fire Department using a $41,670 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, coupled with a matching $4,630 in city funds, to provide some 500 smoke alarms for citizens with hearing impairments. The “bed-shaker” devices can activate a device kept under the pillow, providing vibrations to alert the hearing-impaired of the alarm. The alarms are portable and could well save lives.

And THUMBS DOWN to the news of the death of John Neal Walker, 87, a Graham native who grew up in Burlington before setting off on his life adventures. He was a World War II veteran and spent most of his life in Mt. Olive. And if he were notable for nothing else, you may or may not know he inaugurated the New Year’s Eve pickle drop in his adopted town. He was employed for over 40 years by the Mt. Olive Pickle Company, 35 of those years as president, and was a tireless promoter of the Mt. Olive brand from its location at the corner of Cucumber and Vine.